Maui News
US Senate bill includes millions for East Maui rainforest, Kahului Harbor maintenance
A bipartisan appropriations deal passed by the US Senate on Thursday includes millions of dollars in federal funding designated for the acquisition of East Maui rainforest lands, maintenance for Kahului Harbor and an assessment of Maui watersheds.
Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year at Wailuku First Friday – February 6, 2026
Wailuku First Friday returns on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., with a vibrant Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, highlighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance by Tao Style Martial Arts Academy. This free, family-friendly event brings together music, culture, food, art, and community in the heart of historic Wailuku Town.
Boo Boo Zoo featured at upcoming Maluhia Maui Rotary meeting, Jan. 20
The Maluhia Maui Rotary Club invites the community to a service meeting featuring a presentation by the Boo Boo Zoo (formerly the East Maui Animal Refuge) on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. The gathering will take place at South Maui Gardens by the Peace Pole.
New interactive Economic Justice Data Dashboard launched by Hawai‘i Appleseed
The powerful online tool is designed to empower policymakers, advocates and community members with accessible, localized data about critical well-being metrics throughout the islands.
Maui Prep Senior selected for US Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program announced that high school students Anna Nguyen of Maui Preparatory Academy and Lotus Yasuda will join US Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono in representing Hawaiʻi during the 64th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 7-14, 2026.
Maui Chamber of Commerce hosts Annual Hawaiian Airlines luncheon, Jan. 23, 2026
The Maui Chamber of Commerce will host their annual luncheon with Hawaiian Airlines on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 in Kahului. The event will feature a keynote address from Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow, who will share updates and insights on what’s coming for Hawaiian Airlines in 2026 and beyond.
Shoreline coconut trees at Baldwin Beach Park removed due to decline from coastal erosion, salt water
Eighteen of approximately 70 coconut trees at Baldwin Beach Park in Pāʻia were removed this past week after coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion caused the gradual decline and death of the trees closest to the shoreline, according to the County of Maui arborist and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
$8 million released for Lahaina Harbor wharf reconstruction
State officials have released $8 million in capital improvement program funds to reconstruct the outer marginal wharf at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. State Sen. Angus McKelvey announced the release Friday. McKelvey represents West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū and South Maui. “I want to thank the governor for his expedient release of these funds,” McKelvey said. […]
Drain line replacement work to begin on Honoapiʻilani Highway
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is advising highway users that work will begin next week to replace a drain line underneath Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30).
Kaiser Permanente touts ‘historic’ wage offer, responds to open-ended strike notice
Following a strike notice issued by the union representing health care professionals in Hawaiʻi and California, Kaiser Permanente management has released a statement outlining what it calls the “strongest compensation package” in its bargaining history.
One lane closed on Puʻunēnē Avenue for Hale Pilina affordable housing site work
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is notifying the public that one southbound lane on Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) across from McDonald’s will be closed next week for utility work, for the Hale Pilina affordable housing complex.
Talk Story at Maui’s Kapukaulua in celebration of World Environmental Education Day, Jan. 26
The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program and partners invite the community to a Talk Story event at Kapukaulua (Baldwin Beach) on Jan. 26, 2026, in celebration of World Environmental Education Day.
Applications for new round of Agricultural Micro Grant Program available
Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 6.0 – which offers up to $25,000 to Maui County small farmers and ranchers – are being accepted beginning today, Jan. 15, 2026, by Maui Economic Opportunity.
Emily Chung selected to lead Hawai‘i Primary Care Association
The Hawai‘i Primary Care Association has selected Emily Chung as its new chief executive officer. Chung assumed the role on Jan. 5, succeeding Robert Hirokawa, who retired at the end of 2025. The association supports community health centers across the state, including those serving Maui County residents at Lāna‘i Community Health Center, Hāna Health, Malama […]
Tuesday night closures on Honoapiʻilani Highway for rock scaling and removal
Crews will be removing a boulder caught in the protective netting and also performing rock scaling and other rock removal work from 9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20 to 4:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21. The work will be between mileposts 10.45 to 10.55 on the Lahaina side of the Olowalu Tunnel, also known as the “Pali Tunnel.” The road will be intermittently closed in both directions for up to 10 minutes.
Union issues 10-day strike notice for Kaiser Permanente facilities on Maui, California
Physical therapy and pharmacy providers at Kaiser Permanente facilities on Maui are among 31,000 health care professionals who have issued a 10-day notice of intent to strike. The work stoppage is scheduled to begin Jan. 26.
OHA offers full-tuition scholarships for Native Hawaiian culinary students
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is offering full-tuition scholarships for Native Hawaiian culinary professionals to participate in the Kūlana ʻĀina Culinary program at Kapiʻolani Community College on Oʻahu. “Food has always been central to how Native Hawaiians care for one another and sustain our communities,” said OHA Interim Chief Administrator Summer Sylva. “Kūlana ʻĀina reconnects […]
Matson donates gingerbread house kits to Easterseals Hawai‘i families
Matson provided more than 300 gingerbread house kits to Easterseals Hawaii families this Christmas, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than 60 years.
2026 Tax season brings needed financial relief for seniors
In addition to the existing standard deduction, filers who are age 65 and older can qualify for a new senior bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples. This deduction is targeted to lower- and middle-income retirees and will help tens of millions keep more of their income.
Hirono, colleagues urge administration to restore funding for Full-Service Community Schools
US Sen. Mazie Hirono joined a group of Senate Democrats this week in urging US Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue $168 million in grants for the Full-Service Community School program.
